Chapter 385

I couldn't stay inside and watch Victor being attacked on the screen. John’s back legs were injured, but there was nothing wrong with his powerful jaws and sharp teeth.

And, of course, someone like John Cameron would attack Victor from behind even though Victor showed him mercy. He was evil.

After struggling with the lock on the front doors, I ran outside in time to see Alex shift. His magnificent deep brown wolf pulled John’s wolf away from Victor and held him by his throat on the ground.

John’s wolf struggled to free itself, but Alex’s wolf tightened its grip on his throat and growled until the smaller wolf howled in frustration and lay still.

I ran to Victor. He stood next to Benson, holding a hand over the right side of his head. Blood ran from between his fingers.

“How badly are you hurt?” I asked as I began looking him over for injuries. Besides his head, there were scratches on his back that weren’t deep and should heal quickly.

“I’m okay, sweetheart.” Victor gave me a reassuring smile. “My ear needs a few stitches, but other than that, I’m fine.”

“Here come the police.” Benson pointed at the black and white cars rushing down the driveway with their lights flashing.

“I’ll drive Victor to the emergency room,” I said and escorted Victor inside to get dressed.

When we exited the mansion a few minutes later, John was still in wolf form. He refused to shift human, and the police had muzzled and shackled him before locking him in the back of a police car.

He was on his way to prison to have his wounds treated and await his trial for a long list of crimes. Yet, I couldn’t believe our troubles with John were over.

As I pulled out of the driveway on the way to the hospital, I was dismayed to see the press had arrived. They lined both sides of the road outside the gate.

They tried to flag me down as I drove by, but I ignored them. Some weren’t deterred, and they followed me to the hospital.

I pulled up to the curb outside the hospital and parked. Hurrying around to the passenger side, I fought my way through the reporters who suddenly surrounded my truck.

Before I could get to him, Victor climbed out of the truck and was fielding questions.

“Did you fight John Cameron because he kidnapped your fiancée?” a reporter asked.

“No,” Victor replied firmly. “Daisy returned home last evening. John broke into the Wilson estate after that and tried to break down the front doors with an ax while issuing a combat challenge for the leadership of the Association.”

“Why did Alex Wilson jump into the fight?” another asked. “Were you losing?”

“The fight was conducted per the laws that, although very old, are still active,” Victor said. “My wolf seriously injured his, and I declared mercy. He attacked me after I shifted human and had my back turned to him.”

“You must excuse us now,” I insisted and took Victor’s arm. “Victor has minor injuries that require a doctor’s care.”

“Daisy, why is there so much bad blood between you and John Cameron?” the first reporter asked.

I rolled my eyes. “John Cameron is a criminal with no regard for anyone else’s life or the law.”

Victor and I broke free of the reporters and hurried inside the hospital. I was shocked by their questions.

The reporters were gone when Victor and I left the hospital two hours later. The doctors had used twelve stitches to repair his torn ear and disinfected the scratches on his back.

“I was terrified for you when I saw John’s wolf crawling up behind you,” I said while driving us home.

“Thankfully, Alex saw him, too,” Victor agreed. “I should have known better than to turn my back to him.”

“John truly has no honor,” I said and pulled in at the pharmacy. “I’ll get your prescription filled and be right back.”

“Don’t bother,” Victor took my hand and kissed it. “I don’t need any pain pills. But I am starving.”

“I’d bet Benson has breakfast on the table by now,” I said. “But are you sure you don’t need the pain pills?”

“I’m positive,” Victor insisted and kissed me. “Your sweet lips are all the painkillers I need.”

I giggled and started the truck's engine. “I’m willing to give you all the kisses you need. But let's get you back to the mansion for breakfast first. You used a lot of energy in battle.”

There were a few members of the press at the gate when we returned to the mansion. They shouted questions at my truck. I ignored them and drove to the house, making sure the gate closed behind us.

Cassidy and Alex were in the morning room. We joined them at the table, and Benson served us coffee, eggs, sausage, and pancakes.

“Thanks for the help with John,” Victor told Alex. “I should have known better than to turn my back on him.”

“No problem.” Alex’s eyes twinkled merrily. “I’ve always wanted to grab John by the throat.”

“And Benson was a fantastic witness,” I added.

“I’m glad the security cameras caught everything.” Cassidy showed me her phone screen. “The press is at it again with the rumors and misinformation.”

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The internet was buzzing with false rumors about my kidnapping and the fight between Victor and John.

“We need to see what’s on TV,” I said and ran from the room.

I rushed to the living room and turned on the TV before surfing through the news channels.

“I don’t believe it!” I cried. “Not again!”

“What’s wrong?” Victor asked as he entered the room.

“Every news outlet is going wild with rumors that put you and I in a bad light instead of John.” I gestured at the TV with the remote. “They are repeating lies about us. I can’t do this again.”

“Then we must nip it in the bud, sweetheart.” Victor sat next to me on the couch. “You must tell the true story to the world right away.”

“He’s right,” Shane said from the living room doorway. “That’s why I’m here. Nothing I say will change anyone’s mind. The truth needs to be told today by you, along with any proof you can produce.”

“You can have copies of the security footage,” Alex offered. He, Cassidy, and Benson joined us in the living room. “The cameras recorded John sneaking onto the property, attacking the front doors with an ax, issuing the combat challenge, and the fight with Victor.”

“That will be a big help,” Shane agreed. “Victor, you need to get the arrest reports from the police. Benson, will you arrange for Daisy’s maid to give me a recorded statement?”

Benson nodded. “Of course, Mr. Ross. I’m sure Anna will be glad to help.”

I got to my feet. “I’m going upstairs to my library and get started writing the article. It will be ready for release late this afternoon.”

“I’ll release it immediately to the newspapers,” Shane said. “And I’ll arrange a press conference for you and Victor to tell your story for TV news outlets.”

“I’ll put together the proof while she writes the article.” Victor followed me from the room.

He walked me to the bottom of the stairs and took me into his arms.

“I’m going to get the police reports,” Victor said before kissing me thoroughly. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Victor left, and I went upstairs to begin writing. Reliving every detail of the last few days in my mind, I wrote about John’s drug ring and my kidnapping.

I capped off the article with John invading Alex’s estate with an ax and his dishonorable actions during combat with Victor. Also, I included photos of the drugs kept in the storage building at the city university.

By the time I was finished, Victor had returned with more proof. We were ready to tell our story to the world.

Shane sent the story to all the newspapers for their evening editions while Victor and I prepared ourselves for the press conference to be held outside the mansion.

At the designated time, Victor and I walked outside into a sea of reporters. We made our way to the temporary platform and stood before the podium.

I began by reading my article, and Victor followed up with photos, video, witness statements, and police reports.

The reporters were shocked by John’s actions. Several apologized before asking questions.

We had done it! Our names were cleared, and the truth was on record for the public.

Then, it was my turn to be shocked when a popular news network executive approached me.

“Miss Wilson, your investigative reporting is superb,” he said. “I’d like you to convert your articles into television programs for my news station.”